The Goma Fire Ritual at Mount Takao

About 1 hour away from downtown, the mountain sees about 3,000,000 visitors each year from all across the world. Despite being so close to the city, the mountains are rich with nature and have over 1600 types of flora. This is a number that rivals the variety seen across the entirety of the United Kingdom.

One of the reasons why Mount Takao is so rife with nature is due to its close connection with faith.

The Yakuo-in temple is located here. As a place of faith, the nature surrounding it is protected. Here, the people treasure nature and pray alongside it. There are two experiences we recommend you trying.

01.
What to experience on Mt. Takao

A ritual to send your wishes
with the flames

The Goma Fire Ritual

Mount Takao has been a site for prayers for centuries. It is also a place to train.The Yakuo-in Temple, is dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha who is believed to heal illnesses and protect the body. The temple also became a significant site for Shugendo after the Sengoku Era. Now it also enshrines the guardian deity of the mountain, Izuna Daigongen.

Please experience the Goma Ritual at the Yakuo-in Temple.The Goma Ritual is a type of buddhist ritual that uses fire to burn away one’s worldly desires and doubts. By doing this, your wishes will be able to reach the buddha.

The Goma Fire Ritual

Mount Takao has been a site for prayers for centuries. It is also a place to train.The Yakuo-in Temple, is dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha who is believed to heal illnesses and protect the body. The temple also became a significant site for Shugendo after the Sengoku Era. Now it also enshrines the guardian deity of the mountain, Izuna Daigongen.

Please experience the Goma Ritual at the Yakuo-in Temple.The Goma Ritual is a type of buddhist ritual that uses fire to burn away one’s worldly desires and doubts. By doing this, your wishes will be able to reach the buddha.

The Goma Fire Ritual

The Goma Ritual traces its origins to the ancient Indian fire rite “homa,” later adopted into Buddhism and brought to Japan. In the Heian period, Kukai spread the practice within Shingon Buddhism.

During the ritual, prayers ride the flames to the Buddha, accompanied by chanting, taiko drums, conch shells, and the burning of the Goma charm.

Lasting about 30 minutes, it is not only for making wishes but also for self-reflection and renewal.

As you bring your hands together, the Buddha mirrors the gesture, allowing you to feel a deep connection and realization.

02.
What to experience on Mt. Takao

A culinary experience
where you face life itself

Shojin Ryori

At Yakuo-in Temple, you’re able to not only experience the Goma Ritual, but Shojin Ryori as well.

Shojin Ryori is entirely plant-based and uses only the bounty of the earth.

This comes from Buddhist teachings of respecting all life and not taking any lives.

Shojin Ryori

The seasons are represented in the taste and appearance of the food which only uses local ingredients. No ingredient is wasted and even peels and leaves are used. Each dish has the feelings of gratitude toward nature and the act of eating packed into them.

The Shojin Ryori at Yakuo-in Temple brings out the aromas and richness of the ingredients.

As you continue to eat, your heart and body will align and you will be able to experience an inner silence. Shojin Ryori isn’t simply a meal, but a special experience where you can train your soul.

Making a Reservation

Before visiting Yakuo-in,
you can make a reservation for the Goma Ritual plan
or the set plan that includes both
the Goma Ritual and Shojin Ryori.

Plans

Fee

Goma Ritual

¥ 10,000

Goma Ritual + Shojin Ryori

¥ 15,000

01

Please purchase tickets in advance
using the application button before arriving.

02

Please show your ticket screen
at the reception desk at Yakuo-in Temple.
Follow the guide to experience
the Goma Ritual and Shojin Ryori.

Please download the audio guide below
and listen to it before arriving.
It will greatly enhance your experience.

Download

Access

Mount Takaoa and Yakuo-in Temple

Address

〒193-8686
Tokyo Hachioji-shi Takao-cho 2177

TEL

042-661-1115

Hours

9:00 - 16:00

Google Maps

Getting to Mount Takao

Coming by Train

Ride the JR Central Line from
Tokyo Sta. to Takao Sta. (about 70 min)
Then change to the Keio Line
and take it to the Takaosanguchi Sta. (about 2 min)

Ride the Keio Line from
Shinjuku Sta. to the Takaosanguchi Sta. (about 50 min)

From a Nearby Station

Ride the Keio Line to Takaosanguchi Sta.

Coming by Car

Take the Ken-O Exp from Mount Takao interstate.
About 3 min.

Parking Lot

Takao Yakuo-in Temple –
Car Blessing Hall Parking

〒193-0844 Tokyo, Hachioji-shi, Takao-cho 2390
Hours : 8am - 4pm
Parking Lot Limit : 250 cars
Phone Number : 042-661-1118

Hachioji City-Owned
Foot of Mt. Takao Parking Lot

〒193-0844 Tokyo, Hachioji-shi, Takao-cho 2259
Hours : 24 hours
Parking Lot Limit : 80 cars
Phone Number : 042-661-0308

Arriving from the Foot of the Mountain

Coming by Foot